Paxton allies spend $15M on ads attacking Talarico

Allies of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched a $15 million advertising blitz on Monday to bolster his re-election campaign, framing him as a tough conservative leader while portraying his Democratic opponent, James Talarico, as soft on China.

The move comes as Paxton faces a tighter-than-expected race in a state where Republicans have dominated for decades. Paxton, a staunch Trump ally, has been dogged by legal troubles, including an impending impeachment trial in the state Senate and a long-running securities fraud case. Talarico, a progressive former teacher, has gained traction by focusing on issues like education and healthcare, forcing Paxton’s supporters to counter with a aggressive messaging campaign.

The ads will highlight Paxton’s record of suing the Biden administration over immigration and environmental policies, while painting Talarico as out of step with Texas values. One spot accuses Talarico of accepting donations from groups linked to China, a charge his campaign denies. Polls show Paxton leading, but with a significant number of undecided voters in a race that could hinge on turnout.

Early voting begins in October, and both sides are pouring money into the final stretch. If Paxton wins, he’ll likely push for more lawsuits against federal policies. If Talarico pulls off an upset, it could signal a shift in Texas politics. The ad blitz underscores how high the stakes are for both parties in this deep-red state.